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Trump considers DeSantis for Pentagon with Hegseth under pressure over allegations

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By THOMAS BEAUMONT, ADRIANA GOMEZ LICON, ZEKE MILLER and TARA COPP

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In an interview taped Wednesday for Megyn Kelly's SiriusXM satellite radio show, Hegseth said Trump told him he wanted a “warfighter” who would clean out the “woke crap.”

I would like to see an actual example of 'woke military' that is not some Fox news grievance.

In the past ten years US adversaries when encountering American military lethality have not been impressed with its 'wokeness'.

Recycled DeSantis is another anti-woke warrior.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Trump’s transition team did not do fulsome screening of potential picks before he announced them

Of course not. Trump knows better than anyone in the whole wide world. He has a clear mandate to choose whatever unqualified bozo he wants, as long as they express undying fealty to his highness.

6 ( +11 / -5 )

I would like to see an actual example of 'woke military' that is not some Fox news grievance.

Hegseth doesn't want women in combat roles. He doesn't like the military cracking down on sexual harassment and assault. He doesn't like LGBTQ in the military. And he hates to see American service members tried for violations of the military code and the Geneva Convention.

He and Trump have a Rambo-esque vision of the military: cartoonishly macho and irresponsible.

Hegseth said Trump told him he wanted a “warfighter” who would clean out the “woke crap.”

Daddy's home and he wants a big military parade like Kim Jong-Un gets!

4 ( +8 / -4 )

Drain the swamp! Go from a philandering, drunk to a governor of a state that is mostly a swamp.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

What’s in it for DeSantis?

Who wants to work for an arrogant, boastful jerk craving constant praise who could just fire you tomorrow?

4 ( +7 / -3 )

He may be a lying, unqualified womenizer and mysogynist who also had a drinking problem, but he was on Fox and looks good. That's good enough by Trump. In fact, apart from the drinking, it's probably all a plus with Trump.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Of course not. Trump knows better than anyone in the whole wide world.

Let me guess, but the Dems do?

He has a clear mandate to choose whatever unqualified bozo he wants, as long as they express undying fealty to his highness.

Yeah, libs should be careful who they think is a bozo and who’s qualified. Lol

https://babylonbee.com/news/the-babylon-bees-man-of-the-year-is-rachel-levine

Hegseth doesn't want women in combat roles.

You spoke to him?

He doesn't like the military cracking down on sexual harassment and assault.

He never said that.

He doesn't like LGBTQ in the military.

As long as they do their job and take the military serious and not turn it in a Studio 54 then why not?

And he hates to see American service members tried for violations of the military code and the Geneva Convention.

And?

He and Trump have a Rambo-esque vision of the military: cartoonishly macho and irresponsible.

You mean, wanting it to be a serious and lethal fighting force and not the joke it has become. Such a crime.

Daddy's home and he wants a big military parade like Kim Jong-Un gets!

Not sure what that means, but either way, wokeness and all the other crap social experiments the libs lead with over the last few years making our military weaker and a laughing stock those days are over and if it’s not Pete, DeSantis might even be better, he’s like a more younger and nastier version of Trump. So I’m happy.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

I would like to see an actual example of 'woke military' that is not some Fox news grievance. 

https://youtu.be/1njQPnR5zzU?si=Hcqh4miw0nc97U7Z

In the past ten years US adversaries when encountering American military lethality have not been impressed with its 'wokeness'. 

On the contrary…

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-02-15/senate-military-wokeness-china-russia-9149439.html

Recycled DeSantis is another anti-woke warrior

Yup!

https://youtu.be/EGDRBM8X3vs?si=I3Okmhyj6XMNWRGd

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

fake news article because the media wants to involve themselves in the confirmation process.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

Hegseth was frequently intoxicated while working, and a nonprofit he ran, Veterans for Freedom, "ran up enormous debt" and "was unable to pay its creditors," writes the New Yorker. Yeah, okay, and his mother called him an abusive creep. But how does that disqualify him from overseeing some marginal thing, like, the military? It's not fair!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

https://www.stripes.com/theaters/us/2023-02-15/senate-military-wokeness-china-russia-9149439.html

As usual your own article does not mean what you think it means. Reading is fundamental.

Republicans named “woke” practices as the main culprit, without defining what those practices were, while Democrats said they were most concerned about the presence of far-right extremism in the military ranks, according to the survey.

The politicization and culture warring, mainly from the MAGA right, could create an impression among America's adversaries that their missions would be effected, though that has not been the case yet.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to promote an more ethical military free of discrimination and harassment.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Hegseth was frequently intoxicated while working, and a nonprofit he ran,

Allegedly

Veterans for Freedom, "ran up enormous debt" and "was unable to pay its creditors," writes the New Yorker. Yeah, okay, and his mother called him an abusive creep.

You are taken it way, way out of context. That is not what she said at all.

Despite the intense media scrutiny on her son, including allegations of sexual misconduct, alcohol abuse and financial mismanagement, Penelope Hegseth insisted her son has changed and is deserving of the nomination.

“I want people to look at Pete and understand him for who he is today,” she said. “And to disregard the media — that was seven years ago — and most of that was misinformation.” 

When asked about that change and to share things about her son that Americans may not know, she described a “faithful patriot” and devoted father

But how does that disqualify him from overseeing some marginal thing, like, the military? It's not fair!

True.

-6 ( +3 / -9 )

On Tuesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said some of the reports were “disturbing,” telling CBS News that he wants to “make sure that every young woman that joins the military feels respected and welcomed.”

Women being respected and having rights? That makes the pasty dudes of Trumps America angry so that must be too woke for them as well

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Trump is crazy,he surrounding himself with crazy people,

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Apparently sexual assault sits well with the president-elect.

Jerry Epstein (had he still been alive) could have been Sec. of State under this guy.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

You are taken it way, way out of context. That is not what she said at all.

Sure, sure, she says that now.

This is what she said a few years back:

“On behalf of all the women (and I know it’s many) you have abused in some way, I say … get some help" (abuser)

“I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man" (creep)

What am I missing?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

As usual your own article does not mean what you think it means. Reading is fundamental. 

Exactly, so you need to read more into it.

Republicans named “woke” practices as the main culprit, without defining what those practices were, while

https://youtu.be/6ijiqarzKpE?si=OaybIr18Hty_WND9

Democrats said they were most concerned about the presence of far-right extremism in the military ranks, according to the survey. 

Which the Dems never clarified.

The politicization and culture warring, mainly from the MAGA right, could create an impression among America's adversaries that their missions would be effected, though that has not been the case yet. 

You can be gay, just don’t push it in the military. You think China cares if you’re woke or not? The Mullahs or the Russians? Get real.

I think libs are just angry because the flamboyant parties are coming to an end.

There is nothing wrong with wanting to promote an more ethical military free of discrimination and harassment.

Yeah, get ready for this experimental program to go the way of the dinosaurs.

https://youtu.be/uO8qJukZJg4?si=MUspsMBMzgWpRLMj

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

Sure, sure, she says that now.

This is what she said a few years back:

A few years back. I remember what I ate on June 15, 2001

“On behalf of all the women (and I know it’s many) you have abused in some way, I say … get some help" (abuser)

“I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man" (creep)

What am I missing? Current events.

“I want people to look at Pete and understand him for who he is today,” she said. “And to disregard the media — that was seven years ago — and most of that was misinformation.” 

When asked about that change and to share things about her son that Americans may not know, she described a “faithful patriot” and devoted father

It’s interesting how Dems want conservatives to forget the past when it comes to their members, but when it involves conservatives, the Dems want to go back in their lives and statements going back to grade school. Again, this is why no one takes these people seriously.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

bass4funk 

Sure, sure, she says that now.

This is what she said a few years back:

A few years back. I remember what I ate on June 15, 2001

What was it?

4 ( +5 / -1 )

both have dark minds.

desantis was involved in some sadistic things when at guantanamo bay. his military record from then is redacted for some of it. told by someone released eventually because he had no ties to any terror or terrorists.

a below average performer passed over for promotion.

nanny state radical, telling people how to live their lives. every society with leaders who banned books turned into an oppressive state. Who else bans books now? think about it.

hegseth was a mediocre military officer. forced out and couldn't serve another year because he was near the bottom compared to all other officers the same time in service, rank, performance, etc.

passed over twice for promotion. bye bye.

both are all hat and no cattle. to be expected in a trump administration.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

—Hegseth doesn't want women in combat roles. 

You spoke to him?

PETE HEGSETH: 'Cause I'm straight up just saying we should not have women in combat roles.

—on the Shawn Ryan Show.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick Chad Chronister to lead the Drug Enforcement Administration abruptly withdrew his name from consideration on Tuesday just days after being chosen.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

What was it?

Natto.

both have dark minds.

Is that bad thing?

*desantis** was involved in some sadistic things when at guantanamo bay. his military record from then is redacted for some of it. told by someone released eventually because he had no ties to any terror or terrorists.*

So what is the problem?

a below average performer

His resume says differently

nanny state radical, telling people how to live their lives. every society with leaders who banned books turned into an oppressive state. Who else bans books now? think about it.

Yes, and that’s why he’s so popular in that state. Again, what’s the problem?

hegseth was a mediocre military officer.

The left keep saying this.

forced out and couldn't serve another year because he was near the bottom compared to all other officers the same time in service, rank, performance, etc.

passed over twice for promotion. bye bye.

Not so sure.

Education

• **Undergraduate**: Hegseth graduated from **Princeton University** in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. • **Graduate**: He earned a **Master of Public Policy** from the **John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University** in 2013.

Military Service

• Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the **Army National Guard**. • He completed deployments to **Guantanamo Bay**, **Iraq**, and **Afghanistan**, earning commendations like the **Bronze Star Medal**, **Combat Infantryman Badge**, and a **Navy Commendation Medal** for his service.

Career

• **Veterans Advocacy**: Hegseth was the executive director of organizations like **Vets for Freedom** and **Concerned Veterans for America**, focusing on veterans’ issues and conservative advocacy. • **Media Career**: He joined Fox News in 2014 and is a co-host of **Fox & Friends Weekend**, where he discusses political and cultural topics. • **Author**: He has written books, including *“In the Arena”* and *“American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free”*, reflecting his conservative views.

I think Hegseth is more than qualified. Lol

both are all hat and no cattle. to be expected in a trump administration.

So if the Dems hate them, then it is a stellar pick. I’m happy.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Who does want women in combat? I don’t.

if you do, then why don’t women have to register for the draft?

-8 ( +3 / -11 )

It has existed since forever but the closeted Christian conservatives want to make it an issue. 

What is wrong with being a Christian?

Since Trump loves the Village People their official anthem will become "In the Navy". 

It’s a cool song. I prefer “Fire Island” though

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wlVnJrDG4s

And DeSantis and the MAGA minions will hail it as the greatest thing ever and be grooving along to it.

Yup.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

Who does want women in combat? I don’t.

Why not?

3 ( +6 / -3 )

both are all hat and no cattle. to be expected in a trump administration.

So if the Dems hate them, then it is a stellar pick. I’m happy.

Thats whats wrong with Maga lol. We don't like Trump because he's a threat to America, Democracy and Freedom. Y'all want someone unqualified just because Democrats dislike the person

4 ( +5 / -1 )

*Sources close to the matter implied that DeSantis may not be the best choice, citing "a disturbing lack of damaging allegations" against him in recent months. "The president-elect isn't going to nominate anyone who doesn't have an entire laundromat's worth of dirty washing", said one advisor on condition of anonymity.*

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Thats whats wrong with Maga lol. We don't like Trump because he's a threat to America,

More than half of the nation didn’t think so.

Democracy and Freedom. Y'all want someone unqualified just because Democrats dislike the person

Well, so you’re saying the majority of Blacks and Latinos are sellouts?

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

*Sources close to the matter implied that DeSantis may not be the best choice, citing "a disturbing lack of damaging allegations" against him in recent months. "The president-elect isn't going to nominate anyone who doesn't have an entire laundromat's worth of dirty washing", said one advisor on condition of anonymity.*

It does seem like he has been trying to lay low the past few months, maybe guilt of not helping hurricane victims or something else?

3 ( +4 / -1 )

More than half of the nation didn’t think so.

You mean less than 50%.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Hegseth is a terrible choice and will not become Secretary of Defense.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Isn't Desantis on the list to be deported?

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I am 100 percent sure , Trump will accept his withdrawal within days

3 ( +3 / -0 )

half of americans don’t understand math.

the other 2/3rds don’t care.

trump 49.79%

harris 48.32%

5 ( +5 / -0 )

bass4funkToday  08:36 JST

nanny state radical, telling people how to live their lives. every society with leaders who banned books turned into an oppressive state. Who else bans books now? think about it.

Yes, and that’s why he’s so popular in that state. Again, what’s the problem?

one of the highest disapproval ratings in the nation. now over 60% disapproval.

feel like i’m replying to a bot.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

half of americans don’t understand math.

And who is in charge of the Public School System?

the other 2/3rds don’t care.

trump 49.79%

harris 48.32%

Is that why the left wants to get rid of the EC? But they loved it when their guy won it twice, oh they fiercely defended it back then.

-6 ( +1 / -7 )

And who is in charge of the Public School System?

Well, it's staffed by teachers under whose guidance some students will end up going to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world.

I mean you can't always be banging on about how your country has more patents than anyone else, while also denigrating public education.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Trump picks are the orange graffiti on the wall, the chaos that the gullibles have let in through the back door of corruption in the Washington Swamp. The only consolation is that old 47 is unlikely finish his term (who would want to suffer through another 4 years of looney-tunes idiocracy?)

4 ( +4 / -0 )

one of the highest disapproval ratings in the nation. now over 60% disapproval.

feel like i’m replying to a bot.

Not even sure what you’re referring to, I think this election has gotten you all so mentally beat. Nothing that a glass of Gin and a bag of Skittles can’t fix.

Well, it's staffed by teachers under whose guidance some students will end up going to some of the most highly regarded universities in the world.

And they vote usually Democrat, so now that we have established that part why this.

https://youtu.be/8Ku11kzEhpo?si=1H27kIBv_QV3HGiC

This is why the DOE is about to become no more

I mean you can't always be banging on about how your country has more patents than anyone else,

But they do, that’s just an indisputable fact

while also denigrating public education.

So we have more and more Blacks that can’t read above the 8th grade level, Dems run the public school system, but they don’t want to take any responsibility for its collapse? Huh??

Again, I’m soooo glad they lost.

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

Why not?

because I’m not for sending our young men off to fight and die for wars that old warmongers create.

so I am even less so for sending females off to die too. That’s not the role our mothers and daughters need to play in this world, fighting against men in combat.

if Democrats want this why didn’t you pass a law to force women to register for the draft?

You aren’t for this either, it’s just a convenient temporary attack narrative to use against a nominee who you actually agree with.

-5 ( +2 / -7 )

half of americans don’t understand math.

the other 2/3rds don’t care.

trump 49.79%

harris 48.32%

That math tells me Trump got more votes than Harris. Meaning he won the “popular vote”. We already knew this, what an I missing?

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Good to have options, just in case, clearly Gov. of Florida DeSantis has the skillsets to manage a large organization, Florida being #3 state now.

Seems a quid pro quo is n the works with Laura Trump taking little Marco's soon to be vacated Senate Seat?!

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

if Democrats want this why didn’t you pass a law to force women to register for the draft?

If women volunteer for combat, and they're able to, then why not? It has nothing to do with the draft.

BTW, Joni Ernst is a Republican and she disagrees with you and Pete Hegseth.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

More proof at the extent Trump's re-shaped, re-aligned, and re-branded the Republican party, most of his former political rivals now firmly on board.

Most historians liken it to FDR, the demographic shifts in 2024 were across the board, everybody except very old white ladies and top 1% income moved towards Trump.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

BTW, Joni Ernst is a Republican and she disagrees with you and Pete Hegseth.

as is her right to think.

doesnt make me or Pete “wrong” in our opinions about it.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

so I am even less so for sending females off to die too. 

I assume you don't support Israel, then.

https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/19/world/middleeast/israel-gaza-women-soldiers.html

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Pete's served extensively in combat, written several regarded military books, real media skillsets and most of all, a deep history with Trump. That's the 'bull' case!

Bear case, he's a flawed human like everyone else, but from his younger days, 2017 being most recent incident, as he's now only 44.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

I assume you don't support Israel, then.

i don’t support Israel…..sending women to die in combat.

but im American not Israeli. so my opinion on what they do is irrelevant and they still can have my overall support despite my disagreement on that one issue.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

FYI, Hegseth does not oppose women in the military or in 'some' combat roles, like in aircraft or on ships, just not infantry roles. Makes sense if you understand physics.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

doesnt make me or Pete “wrong” in our opinions about

I agree. I was pointing out that women in combat roles is not a Democrat-only position.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Major election issue was the current military going "WOKE", the leadership being very pro transgender rights, including the current Sec. Def. and Joint Chief.

Trump WON this issue, as voters trusted him more regarding the military and national security. Trump has promised to ban transgender from military service.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

I agree. I was pointing out that women in combat roles is not a Democrat-only position.

why do you specifically quote his comment if it’s not being presented a reason in your mind to disqualify him from the job?

it’s his personal opinion and may or may not become policy when he gets in the job.

-4 ( +1 / -5 )

Interesting nomination test case, remaining influence of media specifically. Most voters and republicans are a little more than dubious of mainstream by now, meaning Hegseth could still prevail, so long as the real dirt is not too dirty...co-workers at FOX love the man to a person.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

BlacklabelToday  10:22 am JST

half of americans don’t understand math.

the other 2/3rds don’t care.

trump 49.79%

harris 48.32%

That math tells me Trump got more votes than Harris. Meaning he won the “popular vote”. We already knew this, what an I missing?

bass4funkToday  09:05 am JST

Thats whats wrong with Maga lol. We don't like Trump because he's a threat to America,

More than half of the nation didn’t think so.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Oh so he “only” got 49.79% of the votes so that’s somehow not “half”?

that’s the hill you are gonna die on, really? lol

won the Presidency in an electoral landslide. All swing states. The House. the Senate. Won the popular vote.

but but but he only got 49.79%- that’s not half, you liar! Reeeeeee!

that’s not even worth bringing up as even an unserious “point”.

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

"Thats whats wrong with Maga lol.  We don't like Trump because he's a threat to America, Democracy and Freedom."

You should run with that at next election. Should work out as well as it did in this one for you , rofl.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

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